07298 - Data Analysis Techniques

Learning outcomes

At the end of the training activity, the student will be able to: evaluate the psychometric characteristics of a good test; use and apply a psychometric clinical test; draw up a written diagnostic profile based on the use of a psychometric test; draw up a research-intervention project in the clinical field, with particular reference to the experimental design, the formulation of the hypotheses, the choice of the sample, the measuring instruments and the appropriate statistical analyzes to verify them.

Course contents

The research design in psychology: formulation of hypotheses, choice of the sample and of the measuring instruments.
Quantitative measuring instruments. Interpretation of the results of a test according to the reference standards.
Application of testing in the clinical setting: scoring and individual profile of clinical cases, formulation of clinical hypotheses based on individual scores.
Hypothesis testing: descriptive statistics and inferential statistics, the General Linear Model applied to hypothesis testing in clinical research designs (cross-sectional, longitudinal studies, with and without control group).
Measurement in psychology according to the classical test theory. Characteristics of a good psychometric test: reliability (internal consistency and stability), validity (structural, criterion, predictive), sensitivity to change, sensitivity and specificity.

The course will take place during the first semester (from October to December 2022) at the Cesena Campus, Department of Psychology, viale Europa 119, Cesena.

Readings/Bibliography

Adopeted textbook: Psicometria e Testistica in Psicologia Clinica by P. Gremigni e G. Casu, 2015, eBook/PDF (http://www.lulu.com/shop/paola-gremigni-and-giulia-casu/psicometria-e-testistica-in-psicologia-clinica/ebook/product-22395057.html)

Lecture notes by the teacher for Application of testing in the clinical setting.

Teaching methods

The lessons will be articulated into 2 modules: module 1 (Prof. Gremigni - 30 hours), and  module 2 (Prof. Casu - 15 hours). Each module provides a short theoretical illustration and an interactive application part in which examples will be illustrated and discussed in the classroom with students.

Since the discussion of the practical examples helps the understanding of the course topics (quite complex), regular attendance to the lessons is strongly recommended.

The understanding of module 2 is favored by the integration with the Psychometrics laboratories which will also take place in the first semester.

Assessment methods

The assessment test consists of a practical test and an oral test. Each test will be graded out of thirty (0-30) and the final grade of the exam will consist of the average of the marks obtained in the two tests. Passing the practical test is preliminary to the possibility of taking the oral test.
The assessment test will be composed as follows:
1) The practical test will be carried out individually or in a small group and will focus on the contents of the Application part of the tests in the clinical setting. An individual clinical case consisting of an anonymous patient's responses to a clinical trial will be assigned. The student or small group will have to score the test, comment on the scores and produce a written report. Detailed instructions for the test will be provided in class and described in the course handout.
2) The individual oral test will aim to ascertain the ability to apply the theoretical knowledge acquired by the student to concrete research examples relating to the validation process of psychometric tools and the application of the General Linear Model in clinical research designs.

Teaching tools

Powerpoint presentations and live data analysis via classroom PC connected with video projector, collective verbal discussion.

Office hours

See the website of Paola Gremigni

See the website of Giulia Casu